There is something special about planning a trip around a live sporting event. The anticipation of seeing your favourite players, the atmosphere of a packed stadium and the traditions that surround game day can turn an ordinary weekend away into a memorable travel experience. Add a new city, local food and a little sightseeing, and you have the makings of a brilliant getaway.
The secret is to plan the trip around the event without letting it take over the entire itinerary. Tickets, accommodation and transport deserve attention before you leave home, particularly for major tournaments where demand can push up prices and limit availability.
From summer tennis in Melbourne to baseball in Arizona, passionate fans have plenty of reasons to travel in 2027. These five sports-themed getaways combine major sporting experiences with practical advice on where to stay, how to get around, what to expect on game day and what to explore when the final whistle, match point or last pitch is done.
Melbourne in January: Stay in the city centre and walk to the tennis
The Australian Open is one of Melbourne’s biggest annual attractions, bringing international tennis stars and enthusiastic crowds to Melbourne Park each summer. The 2027 tournament runs from 11 to 31 January, with Opening Week from 11 to 16 January and the main draw from 17 to 31 January. Daily ground-pass allocations will be capped during the first week of the main draw for the first time, making advance planning particularly important. Tickets went on general sale on 13 August 2026.
Base yourself in Melbourne’s city centre, ideally within easy reach of Flinders Street Station. Melbourne Park is approximately a 10-minute walk away through Birrarung Marr and the riverside precinct, so you can leave public transport out of your match-day plans. Trams within the central free tram zone are also handy for exploring the city, and accommodation near the station is worth booking early if you want to attend the tournament’s final weekend.
An adult ground pass starts at A$49, although prices vary by day and ticket type. It offers access to outdoor courts, practice sessions and the Australian Open’s entertainment precinct, with arena access subject to the ticket’s inclusions, seating availability and capacity. Check the current ticket conditions before purchasing rather than assuming every court or arena will be accessible.
Pack a hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle, and check the venue’s latest entry rules before bringing food or other items. Melbourne’s summer weather can change quickly, and rain may interrupt outdoor matches even when play continues under the roofs of the main arenas.
For a more affordable experience, consider Opening Week, when adult tickets start at A$10. This is the time to watch qualifying matches, see players practising and enjoy the build-up to the main draw. The trade-off is that the tournament’s biggest matches are still to come, but the access to players and the lively atmosphere make it an appealing alternative.
International visitors should also check Australia’s visa or electronic travel authority requirements well before booking flights.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the tennis, spend a morning at Queen Victoria Market, which trades on Tuesdays and from Thursday to Sunday. From there, wander through Hosier Lane’s street art before catching a tram to Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne’s historic Italian quarter, for pasta and a relaxed dinner.
Scottsdale in March: Stay in Old Town and walk to the ballpark
Baseball fans have a compelling reason to visit Arizona in early spring. Major League Baseball’s 2027 regular season begins with an Opening Night game on 24 March, followed by traditional Opening Day on 25 March. Spring training starts much earlier, with Cactus League teams playing exhibition games across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants and sits in the walkable Old Town district. Staying nearby puts the ballpark, restaurants, galleries and shops within easy reach. Spring is a busy time in the region, so book accommodation early and choose your game once the schedule is confirmed.
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, then take a taxi, rideshare or hire car to Scottsdale. A car is useful if you plan to visit several ballparks around the Phoenix area, but you can enjoy a relaxed weekend without one. Scottsdale’s free trolley and walkable Old Town make it easy to get around locally.
Spring training games are generally more relaxed than regular-season fixtures, with afternoon starts common. The grassy areas beyond the outfield can be a great place to watch, but Arizona’s sunshine is intense even in March. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and check the stadium’s entry rules before arriving.
If your schedule allows, look into the Giants’ public workouts on non-game days. Access varies by date and team arrangements, so confirm the latest information before planning your visit around a training session.
For fans who enjoy following baseball beyond the ballpark, spring training is also a chance to get to know the teams before the regular season begins. Arizona permits mobile sports betting for adults aged 21 and over who are physically within the state, with apps verifying their location before accepting a wager. If you’re interested in the rules and available offers, LineUps’ BetMGM promo page explains the current promotion and its terms. Gambling should always be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Arizona’s problem gambling helpline, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783), is available around the clock.
For your non-baseball day, visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home and studio in north Scottsdale. Entry is by guided tour, and booking ahead is recommended.
Prefer the outdoors? Camelback Mountain offers challenging hiking trails and panoramic views across the Phoenix area. The Echo Canyon Trail is rated extremely difficult, and parking at the trailhead can fill early on weekends. Start early, carry sufficient water and check the weather before setting out.
For dinner, head into downtown Phoenix for Pizzeria Bianco at Heritage Square. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, the restaurant has built a reputation that draws diners from well beyond Arizona. It does not take reservations and closes on Sundays, so Saturday evening is a good option if you are prepared to wait for a table.
Osaka in May: Ride the Hanshin line to Koshien and skip the JR station
Japanese baseball offers an experience that goes well beyond the game itself. At Koshien Stadium, home of the Hanshin Tigers, organised chants, songs and enthusiastic supporters create an atmosphere that is as much a cultural experience as a sporting one.
Opened in 1924, Koshien Stadium sits between Osaka and Kobe, making either city a convenient base. In Osaka, consider staying around Umeda or Namba, two major transport hubs. The Hanshin Main Line connects Osaka-Umeda with Koshien Station in roughly 15 minutes, while services from Osaka-Namba provide another convenient option. From Koshien Station, the stadium is only a short walk away.
Pay attention when checking directions. JR Koshien-guchi is a different station more than two kilometres from the stadium, so make sure your route takes you to Koshien Station on the Hanshin railway.
The crowd is half the show. Tigers fans have songs for individual batters, and the chanting continues throughout the game as supporters cheer on their team. Buy tickets ahead of time, especially for popular fixtures, rather than assuming you’ll find seats at the gate. The right-field outfield stand is known for its enthusiastic home supporters, while part of the left-field stand is allocated to visiting fans. Check the seating arrangements when booking if you want to experience a particular section.
Koshien has no roof, so the weather matters. May can offer pleasant conditions before Japan’s rainy season typically arrives in early summer, but rain remains possible. Check the forecast and bring a light rain jacket if needed.
Once you’ve had your fill of baseball, use the other day to explore more of the Kansai region. Ride the Hanshin line towards Kobe for waterfront views, shopping and a different city atmosphere, or stay in Osaka and visit the castle grounds before spending the evening in Dotonbori.
This lively canal-side district in Namba is a brilliant place to sample Osaka’s signature street foods. Try takoyaki, the hot octopus-filled balls, and okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake cooked with a variety of toppings. The streets remain busy well into the evening, making it an ideal place to finish a day of sightseeing.
London in July: Join the queue in Wimbledon Park and stay on the District line
Wimbledon is one of tennis’s most iconic tournaments, combining world-class matches with traditions that have endured for generations. In 2027, the Championships run from 28 June to 11 July. The public ballot has closed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your chance to attend has disappeared.
The traditional queue remains an option for spectators hoping to buy tickets on the day. The queue forms in Wimbledon Park, approximately a five-minute walk from Southfields station. Check the All England Club’s official guidance before travelling, as ticket availability, queue arrangements and entry conditions can change.
When you join the queue, a steward provides a dated, numbered queue card to indicate your place. Keep it safe until you reach the ticket sales point, where payment is cashless. Overnight queuing has traditionally permitted small two-person tents, with campers required to pack up when stewards wake them at 6am. Check the latest rules before making overnight plans.
A queue card does not guarantee entry. Once the grounds reach capacity, entry depends on spectators leaving and space becoming available. Bring water, a layer for the chilly early morning and something to read while you wait.
The club’s queueing guidance has also included a left-luggage facility in Wimbledon Park for overnight equipment and smaller bags. Fees, opening times and size restrictions can change, so check the current rules and avoid arriving with a large suitcase.
Accommodation in Wimbledon Village and around the park tends to be expensive during the tournament. A more affordable base along the District line, such as Earl’s Court, can provide convenient access to Southfields. Travellers arriving at Heathrow should check the best route for their hotel and luggage, as some journeys require a change depending on the chosen service.
Once inside, a grounds ticket can provide access to the outside courts, where spectators sit close to the action. Watching a match from one of these courts can be a memorable experience, particularly when you discover an emerging player or stumble across a closely contested match. And, of course, no Wimbledon visit feels complete without strawberries and cream.
Spend the other day exploring Richmond Park, one of London’s largest royal parks. Its open grassland, ancient trees and herds of red and fallow deer offer a peaceful contrast to the crowds at Wimbledon. It’s an easy addition to a London itinerary and a lovely way to enjoy some fresh air between tennis sessions.
Chicago in summer: Base yourself on the Red Line and give a day to the river
Chicago’s Wrigley Field has been home to the Cubs since 1914, making it one of baseball’s most historic ballparks. Summer is an appealing time to visit, with warmer weather and plenty of opportunities to combine an afternoon game with the city’s restaurants, architecture and waterfront.
From O’Hare International Airport, the CTA Blue Line provides a direct connection to downtown Chicago, so hiring a car is unnecessary for a city-focused weekend.
Lakeview, the neighbourhood surrounding Wrigley Field, is the most convenient option if attending a game is your priority. It is lively on match days and can get noisy after games. River North and the Loop are better choices if you want to spend more time exploring central Chicago. Both offer access to the city’s transport network, and the Red Line stops at Addison, directly across from Wrigley Field.
Consider booking a ballpark tour to see Wrigley from a different perspective. The Cubs offer tours that include behind-the-scenes views of the stadium, with meeting arrangements and availability varying by date. Check the official Cubs website for the current schedule and booking instructions.
Wrigley Field can also be included in a longer American baseball road trip. If you’re keen to visit several stadiums and halls of fame across the country, a dedicated road itinerary can turn a single game into a much bigger sporting adventure.
For your second day, start with a river cruise from the Chicago Architecture Center. These approximately 90-minute tours showcase the city’s famous architecture as volunteer docents explain the buildings lining the river. Cruises generally operate from spring into late autumn, although schedules depend on the season and weather.
Afterwards, take a walk along the riverfront to admire the skyscrapers from street level before heading to Pequod’s Pizza in Lincoln Park. The restaurant is famous for its pan pizza, particularly the caramelised cheese around the crust. The original restaurant opened in Morton Grove before the Lincoln Park location followed in 1992, and both have become favourites among Chicago-style pizza fans.
It is an ideal way to finish a day that combines one of America’s most recognisable ballparks with the city’s architecture and food scene.
Wrap Up
A great sports getaway is about more than getting a ticket to the big game. It’s about the atmosphere in the stands, the local traditions you discover, the neighbourhoods you explore and the meals you remember long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you’re cheering at the Australian Open, soaking up the excitement of spring training in Arizona, joining the chants at Koshien, experiencing the traditions of Wimbledon or watching the Cubs at Wrigley Field, each destination offers a different way to combine sport and travel.
The key is to book the important pieces early, leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries and make time to experience the destination beyond the venue. After all, the best trips are rarely just about the event itself. They’re about everything you do around it.
So choose your sport, pick your city and start planning. Your next great travel story might begin with a match ticket.
